Heidi Gardner has long been one of Travis Kelce’s biggest fans, and her admiration played a key role in the NFL superstar hosting Saturday Night Live in 2023. During a recent appearance on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, the 41-year-old comedian opened up about her persistent campaign to get Kelce, 35, on the iconic sketch show—and the surprising condition set by SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
“The biggest swing I ever took in that department was pushing for Travis Kelce,” Gardner recalled. “It did work, but it took a couple of years. I don’t want to take full credit because the talent department is amazing, but as a huge Chiefs fan, I had seen him in other acting gigs and appearances. He’s funny, he’s charming, and I just knew he had what it takes.”
Gardner shared that her advocacy began after collaborating with Kelce on the ESPYs, where the two co-announced an award. Despite her enthusiasm, Michaels wasn’t easily convinced.
“He told me, ‘If he wins the Super Bowl, then he can host,’” Gardner said. “I was like, ‘That is so much pressure!’ But then, of course, he went out and did it. He won the Super Bowl!”
Kelce finally took the SNL stage during a season 48 episode in 2023, shortly before making headlines for his relationship with Taylor Swift. Gardner said his hosting gig felt like a personal win, as she admired his natural comedic timing and charisma.
“He was already doing incredible things,” she said. “His talents were shining through, and I was so proud to see him on that stage.”
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A Tailgate Party Fit for a Chief
To celebrate Kelce’s hosting debut, Gardner leaned into her Kansas City roots by throwing a tailgate-themed party in her dressing room, complete with barbecue. She even mentioned the idea to Kelce, though she doubted he’d have time to attend with the tight schedule between dress rehearsals and the live show.
However, Kelce surprised her by sending cans of tequila soda for the party. “Jeff from the talent department knocked on my door and handed me the drinks, saying they were from Travis for the tailgate,” Gardner said.
Later, while getting her makeup done, Gardner received a text from her friends and family attending the tailgate. “My brothers and best friend were arriving, and I was just excited for the show,” she said. “Then I got another text—a photo of Travis and his brother Jason eating barbecue in my dressing room! I’m pretty sure he’s the only SNL host in history to tailgate before hosting.”
Going the Extra Mile for Kelce
Gardner also made a point to ensure Kelce felt comfortable during his time on the show. She even asked about his pregame rituals to make the experience feel familiar.
“I asked him, ‘What do you eat on game day?’ and he told me, ‘Uncrustables. I just pound Uncrustables.’” Gardner took the detail to heart, buying the snacks for him on show day. “I wanted it to feel as much like home as possible,” she said.
Since hosting SNL, Kelce has expanded his acting career, appearing in Ryan Murphy’s horror series Grotesquerie and hosting the Prime Video game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? His SNL stint remains a standout moment in his growing entertainment resume, thanks in part to Gardner’s unwavering support.
“I was very protective of him during the process,” Gardner said in a separate interview on Today with Hoda & Jenna. “It’s such a high-pressure situation, and I just wanted him to know he had people rooting for him.”
